John Hopkins University has joined the American Lung Association’s Airways Clinical Research Centers (ACRC) Network. The ACRC is the nation’s largest not-for-profit network of clinical centers dedicated to asthma and COPD research, and is now doubling its geographic reach across 39 sites nationwide and expanding its focus to include new research on both millennial lung health and COVID-19.
“The ACRC includes an impressive bandwidth of experts working together to produce results directly affecting patient care,” said Deborah Brown, Chief Mission Officer, American Lung Association. “Indeed, the ACRC Network positively impacts patients through large patient-focused clinical trials led by some of the best investigators nationwide, and we’re honored to have John Hopkins University join this network.”
For more than 20 years, the ACRC has adapted to the needs of the research community, previously expanding to include clinical trials focused on both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to better support the millions of patients living with those chronic lung diseases. Today’s announcement to expand from 22 sites to 39 nationwide is no different.
The additional sites will better accommodate the upcoming Lung Health Cohort—a first-of-its-kind study of millennial lung health with the ultimate goal to stop lung disease before it even starts. In partnership with Northwestern University, the American Lung Association announced a $24.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health for a Lung Health Cohort Study of millennials, which will provide the opportunity to examine the effect of environmental exposures, including COVID-19, on respiratory health in young people.
In addition, the extension of the network will support the American Lung Association’s COVID-19 Action Initiative – a $25 million investment addressing COVID-19 and emerging respiratory viruses – which will evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on patients with chronic lung disease.
For more information the ACRC Network, research funded by the American Lung Association or the COVID-19 Action Initiative, visit Lung.org/research. Journalists seeking to arrange an interview with a research or medical expert on lung health, COVID-19 or other lung diseases contact Valerie Gleason at 717-971-1123 or Val.Gleason@Lung.org.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.
